What is the British Canoeing Endorsed Guide Scheme?
The Guide Endorsement is for British Canoeing Leaders who are involved in guiding activity, particularly those working within Adventure Tourism and Commercial Markets. This endorsement is aimed at supporting and recognising the additional skills required when fulfilling a guiding role.
The ethos of the scheme is to support, share and recognise the leaders guiding development. Guides and aspirant Guides will be a supportive network of leaders, sharing best practice and like-minded ideas, in order to aid their learning and support paddlers on their journeys. The main purpose is that it is a healthy and supportive learning experience for all involved, whether it is the mentor, aspirant Guide or more importantly, the clients.
The endorsement is available to British Canoeing Leaders who have completed learning relevant to their guiding role. This may include topics such as trip planning/organisation, leadership styles, customer care, camp craft, minimising impact on communities/environment, adding value to the customer experience; with British Canoeing offering a range of modules covering these topics. Recognition that the Guide also meets a minimum standard of competence is also to be built into the endorsement; this will cover first aid and a commitment to continual professional development.